8 Over 80

The Kinneret Council on Aging’s (KCOA) 8th Annual 8 over 80 Honorary Dinner that will be held on Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at Kinneret Apartments. The 8 over 80 event recognizes individuals over the age of 80 who continue to contribute to our community through their volunteer and philanthropy efforts.

The event will start at 5 p.m. in the Jessie Render Social Hall where passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. At 5:45 p.m., guests will move into the Delaney Dining Room where an elegant sit down dinner will be served. The highlight of the evening will be the introduction of the honorees and a viewing of a specially produced video.

There are several ways for the community to support KCOA and celebrate this year’s 8 over 80 honorees. For information on tickets, please contact Sharon Weil at 407-425-4537 or by email at kinneretcouncil@gmail.com. Seating will be limited. In addition, congratulatory ads and messages can be placed in the 8 over 80 Tribute Ad book. Contact Sharon for information on the Tribute book.2017 8 over 80 Photo Album

Honorees

Lillian Berkowitz Originally from New York, Lillian Berkowitz moved to Orlando 20 years ago. She was involved in the Sisterhood at her Synagogue and the JCC. Lillian is currently the co-president of the Roth JCC Senior group, the 39’ers. She lives an active life and encourages others to stay involved. One can find Lillian in the Senior Lounge of the Roth JCC 3 or 4 days a week.

Doris Gilbert was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years in Brooklyn. She volunteered as a “Master Gardener” for the Orange County Extension Service and wrote a gardening column for many years. She spent many years making beautiful stained glass creations which decorate her home. Currently, she serves as the Vice President in charge of communications for the Chai Steppers at the Rosen JCC. She is also active on other boards in the community writing articles and raising money for various causes.

Bette Anne Leider is a true Floridian. She was born in Tallahassee and grew up in a small town not far from there. She attended the University of Florida and moved to Orlando 20 years ago. Bette Anne was president of 7 organizations. She was the first woman president of Temple Israel in Daytona Beach and also the first woman president of American Heart in Volusia County. Bette Anne says that it’s always been her goal to do for others. “I never think about it. I just do it!”

Rosalind Levitt is a long time member of CRJ and Temple Israel. She has served on numerous boards and she was a member of the Downtown Merchants Association who recommended she become a member of the Orlando Parking and Traffic Commission. At the time, I-4 was being designed and she pushed the idea of having downtown parking under the highway. Rosalind was a Pink Lady at ORMC for 41 years and served as President of the Auxiliary. She was the first recipient of the Tikkun Olam award given at the Jewish Federation.

Eva London Ritt is a founder of the Zionistas, a coalition of Christian and Jewish people united for Israel. She worked hand in hand with Tess Wise to establish the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center. She is persistent in any endeavor she undertakes. Eva started a letter writing campaign to free the Refuseniks held in Russia, including writing personal letters to Refusenik families. Her body of work was recently acquired by Yeshiva University. If she sees a cause she believes in, she will work hard to accomplish success.

Gerald Robison is the co-founder and current board member of Hospice Of The Comforter. He was a vital participant in the entire development of this inpatient community which has housed over 30,000 dying patients and their families in Central Florida throughout the years. He served as Board Chair for many years, was actively involved in ongoing business development and volunteered with patient visitation and support. He has a wealth of knowledge on many subjects and is happy to share what he knows with others.

Charles Schulman held the position of Secretary on the board of directors of Temple Israel and was Treasurer of the Jewish Community Council (Federation) during the Six Day War. Charles was one of the original board members that founded Kinneret Apartments. He worked at Martin Marietta for over 30 years as an electrical engineer. Upon retirement, he became active in community affairs. He joined Shepard’s Hope which provides medical care for low-income, uninsured residents of Central Florida. He is active with the Family Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity providing homes to suitable applicants.

Dick Weiner has called the Orlando/ Winter Park area his home since 1936. He worked for Smith Barney Shearson brokerage house for 47 years. Dick has served our community for many years on the board of the Central Florida Jewish Community Council (Federation) as a member, Treasurer and President. He is the first lifetime member of the JCC. Dick has chaired the annual combined Jewish appeal and Israel bond drive and has been the recipient of numerous awards.